Funded by the European Union (EU) and in coordination with the Ministry of Local Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) fully rehabilitated Al-Birkat Health Center in Ghat and handed it over to the Municipality.

The center was not functioning on its full potential since 2011, when the building was severely damaged due to the conflict that affected all the southwestern region. From now on, every month, this public facility will be able to provide health services for around 2,000 people based in Ghat and surrounding areas.

More than 200 people attended the handover ceremony, where members of the municipal council, the health center representatives, elder council, and representative from the Red Crescent highlighted the decisive role of the EU and UNDP to improve health services in Ghat. They also expressed their appreciation for the rapid response.

The Mayor of Ghat, Mr. Gomani Saleh declared: ''The European Union’s contribution to Ghat will change the lives of thousands of people in need of access to basic services in our community. I would like to thank them as well as UNDP and the Ministry of Local Government for their commitment to support the Municipality of Ghat, so that we are better equipped to serve our people.”

“The place looks brand new. I am looking forward to working with my team at Al-Birkat Health Center to help our patients recover from their illnesses and treat as many people as possible,” said the Health Center Manager, Mr. Abdelgani Yousef.

“UNDP in Libya is responding rapidly to crises such as the flooding in Ghat, to address the imperative needs of the people and stabilize communities, while providing a long term and sustainable solution for the local authorities to be able to better serve their people. I am pleased to see how welcomed this rehabilitation in Ghat was. I am looking forward to seeing the impact of this facility on the wellbeing of people in Ghat,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Libya, Mr. Gerardo Noto

This initiative is part of the “Recovery, Stability and Socio-economic Development of Libya” programme funded by the European Union, through the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa – North Africa Window, and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Local Governance, Municipalities, UNICEF and Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The programme aim at improving living conditions and build resilience among vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees and host communities.

Within this framework, UNDP is acting under its “Strengthen Local Capacities for Resilience and Recovery” project and will also renovate 17^th February School and Othman Ben Afan Schools in Ghat.

For more information please contact: Hilaria Espin, Hilaria.espin@undp.org